Home: A Novel
by Marilynne Robinson
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Book Reviews of Home: A Novel
Book Review: A bit too sloww, still worth reading...
Summary: 4 Stars
I was excited to see that this book had been released since I loved GILEAD so much. While I enjoyed HOME, I probably did not like it as much as it's predecessor.
Both books are very similar in tone and content (not surprising since they are parallel pieces to each other), but I found HOME to move at a much more slower pace then GILEAD and that's saying something considering how slowly placed GILEAD is. It took me several days to complete this book. That's not to say it's boring. It's not. It's just that I think there is a bit too much repetitiveness.
Still, I recommend HOME to anyone who loved GILEAD. Both books compliment each other very well. They are not plot driven stories, but beautifully written books about people.
Book Review: painfully beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
"Home" is much different than "Gilead" because the grace is not so apparent in the pain of desired forgiveness of the three main characters. However, it is just as lovely only in a more hidden sense. Deeply theological as Jack, Glory, and their father struggle to deal with the humiliation of disappointment of failed dreams and to forgive each other as they go about the quiet, mundane existence in Gilead. Mostly, grace illuminates our lives and we don't notice but nontheless its healing power is always present. The book isn't for those looking for action, excitement, or plot development. However, it is action-packing, exciting, and much is going on if you allow the story to come to you. Brava, Dr. Robinson. You have hit another one out of the park!Book Review: Too static and redundant
Summary: 3 Stars
I am looking at all the positive reviews for Gilead and they apply to Home as well: "written in a prose so gravely measured and thoughtful"; "complex thoughts and emotions expressed with a felicity as engaging as it is illuminating"; " demanding, grave and lucid". The problem is that Home is too static and redundant. Either the book should be shorter, or there needs to be a greater number of well developed characters.
I was a bit bothered by the ease with which Glory could be moved to tears; then I heard an interview with Joan Baez, who demonstrated and acknowledged that she has the same "affliction", tearing up over the interviewer's anecdote.
Book Review: Home: A Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished this book and wept. Powerful, lyrical, profound. Robinson perfectly describes life with a family member who is alcoholic or addicted and therefore untrustworthy. She picks up on the parable of the prodigal son by imagining what life would be like in the weeks and months after his return. This book has a compelling narrative flow pulling one from paragraph to paragraph, page to page, even while she drops in her lessons in theology. While death and dying pervade the book, in the end we have a new guardian of "home," and a new generation bringing hope. Her best book yet!Book Review: Robinson Has Done It Again
Summary: 5 Stars
Robinson is clearly one of the most gifted writers of our time. Her style is unique. Her character development is amazing. I feel like her characters are my best friends. I really care about them. The insights of the characters through Robinson are often profound, always interesting. The only criticism I can come up with is that the book, like her other fiction, starts slowly. It took me a while to "get into" the characters and the plot, but after 50 pages or so, I was hooked. It takes a little patience. A wonderful novel. Thank you Ms. Robinson for sharing with us.